Windows Installation

Windows Installation
This method is suitable for a single device installation.

Using a Bootable USB or DVD
Prepare the Installation Media:
Download the Windows ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
Use tools like Rufus to create a bootable USB drive or burn the ISO to a DVD.

Boot from the Installation Media:
Insert the USB/DVD into the computer.
Restart the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del, F2, or F12 during boot).
Set the USB/DVD as the primary boot device and save changes.

Follow the Installation Process:
Select the language, time, and keyboard layout.
Click Install Now, enter the product key (or choose "I don't have a key"), and select the Windows edition to install.
Choose between Upgrade (retain files) or Custom (clean installation).
Select the drive/partition for installation and proceed.

Network-Based Installation (Windows Deployment Services - WDS)
Ideal for deploying Windows OS across multiple devices in a network.

Setup Windows Deployment Services (WDS):
Pre-requisites:
A server with Windows Server OS.
Active Directory (AD), DHCP, and DNS configured on the network.
A Windows installation image (e.g., .wim file).

Install WDS Role on Windows Server:
Open Server Manager > Manage > Add Roles and Features.
Select Windows Deployment Services and complete the wizard.

Configure WDS:
Open WDS Console from Server Manager.
Add a new server and configure it with the desired settings (e.g., PXE Boot).
Add boot and install images from your Windows installation media.

Boot Client Devices from Network:
Configure the client system's BIOS/UEFI to boot from the network (PXE Boot).
The client will connect to WDS, allowing OS deployment.

Advanced Installation Methods
Using Windows Deployment Toolkit (MDT):
Create task sequences for customized Windows deployments.
Suitable for large-scale deployments with custom settings and applications.

Automated Installation with Answer Files:
Use tools like Windows System Image Manager (SIM) to create an unattended installation script (autounattend.xml).
Automate tasks like partitioning, product key entry, and user account creation.

Using Virtualization Platforms:
Install Windows in a virtual machine (e.g., Hyper-V, VMware, VirtualBox) for testing or isolated environments.

Post-Installation Steps
Install necessary drivers.
Update Windows to the latest version.
Install essential applications and configure system settings.